Punching bag supporting device

ABSTRACT

An exercising device includes a first frame, a second frame rotatably supported on the first frame, thereby allowing the second frame to rotate relative to the first frame, and a linear track system fixedly attached to the second member such that track system rotates with the second frame relative to the first frame. The exercise device also includes a vehicle adapted to ride along a length of the track system, and at least one arm pivotally attached to the vehicle at a first location along the arm, and adapted to support the first punching bag at a second location along the arm, the first location being spaced apart from the second location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a punching bag supportingdevice, and in particular to a punching bag supporting device thatallows the supported bag to move a distance relative to the personstriking the bag when the bag is struck.

[0002] Devices for supporting punching bags are used in a wide varietyof applications. The devices typically support the bag or bags from thefloor or a ceiling and hold the bag in a stationary position and allowthe bag to move once struck.

[0003] Heretofore, supporting devices for punching bags have allowed formovement of the bag in a linear or circular motion. However, thesedevices significantly restrict the movement of the bag, make the motionspredictable, and the bag easy to make contact with. In addition, thesedevices do not provide for a “real combat” experience, wherein themovements of the other fighter are difficult to predict and counter.Further, the predictability of these devices lessens the workoutprovided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One aspect of the present invention is to provide an exercisingdevice that includes a first frame, a second frame rotatably supportedon the first frame, thereby allowing the second frame to rotate relativeto the first frame, and a linear track system fixedly attached to thesecond member such that the track system rotates with the second framerelative to the first frame. The exercise device also includes a vehicleadapted to ride along a length of the track system, and at least one armpivotally attached to the vehicle in a first location along the arm andadapted to support a first punching bag in a second location along thearm, wherein the first location is spaced apart from the secondlocation.

[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide anexercising device that includes a first frame, a second frame rotatablysupported on the first frame, thereby allowing the second frame torotate relative to the first frame, and a first powered actuatoroperably connected with the second frame to rotate the second framerelative to the first frame. The exercising device also includes alinear track system fixedly attached to the second member such that thetrack system rotates with the second frame relative to the first frame,a vehicle adapted to ride along a length of the track system, and asecond powered actuator operably connected to the vehicle to move thevehicle along the length of the track system. The exercising devicefurther includes at least one arm pivotally attached to the vehicle andadapted to support a device for striking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a punching bag supporting deviceembodying the present invention;

[0007]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the punching bagsupporting device;

[0008]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a supporting frame;

[0009]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a carousal frame;

[0010]FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary front view of the carousalsupported on the supporting frame;

[0011]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a track assembly;

[0012]FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a bumper;

[0013]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle;

[0014]FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the vehicle;

[0015]FIG. 10 is a fragmentary front view of a support assembly andsupport arms; and

[0016]FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of an alternative embodimentof the punching bag supporting device including two drive motors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,”“right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” andderivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume variousalternative orientations and step sequences, except where expresslyspecified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specificdevices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, anddescribed in the following specification are exemplary embodiments ofthe inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0018] The reference numeral 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2) generally designates apunching bag supporting device or exercising device embodying thepresent invention. In the illustrated example, exercising device 10includes a first frame or housing 12 fixedly attached to a ceiling 14,and a second frame or carousal 16 rotatably supported within housing 12,thereby allowing carousal 16 to rotate relative to housing 12.Exercising device 10 also includes a linear track system 18 fixedlyattached to carousal 16 such that track system 18 rotates with carousal16 relative to housing 12, and a vehicle 20 that translates along alength of track system 18. Exercise device 10 further includes at leastone arm 22 pivotally attached to vehicle 20 at a first location 24 alongarm 22, and adapted to support a punching bag 26 at a second location 28along arm 22, wherein first location 24 is spaced apart from secondlocation 28.

[0019] The first frame or housing 12 (FIG. 3) includes acircularly-shaped upper support member 30 and a circularly-shaped lowersupport member or rail 32 having a circular cross sectional geometricalshape. A plurality of downwardly extending supports 34 are fixedlyattached to upper support member 30 and rail 32, via a plurality ofbolts and nuts 33, thereby supporting rail 32 from upper support member30. Each support 34 is provided with a slot 37 at a lower end thereoffor receiving an associated bolt 33 therein. Slots 37 allow the heightof rail 32 to be adjusted, thereby assuring that rail 32 is completelyhorizontal allowing for proper operation of device 10. Housing 12further includes a plurality of structural supporting arms 36 that arefixedly attached to upper support member 30 and extend radially inwardfrom an inner surface 38 of upper support member 30 towards a centralpoint 40. Each structural supporting arm 36 includes a pair of spacedapart arms 42 having a distal end 44 and a proximal end 46, and thatdefine a channel 48 therebetween. An L-shaped end plate 50 extendsbetween distal end 44 of each arm 42 and is connected thereto via a pairof bolts 52. Proximal end 46 of each arm 42 is fixedly held between anupper retainer plate 54 and a lower retainer plate 56 via a plurality ofbolts 58. A central axle 60 extends downwardly from lower retainer plate56 through central point 40 and is threaded for a portion of the overalllength thereof. Housing 12 is fixedly attached to ceiling 14 via aplurality of bolts 62 that extend through the channels 48 between arms42 near distal ends 44. Flat washer 64 are located over each bolt 62,abut arms 42 and are held in place by nuts 66.

[0020] The second frame or carousal 16 (FIG. 4) has an overall octagonshape and includes a plurality of arm assemblies 68 extending radiallyoutward from a square-shape central hub 70 having an upper end 72 and alower end 74, and defines an interior 76 therein. Carousal 16 alsoincludes an upper retainer plate 78 fixed to lower end 74 of hub 70 andextending radially outward therefrom, and a lower retainer plate 80extending radially outward from hub 70. Each arm assembly 68 includes anupper arm 84 having a proximal end 86 and a distal end 88, and a lowerarm 90 having a proximal end 92 and distal end 94. Upper arm 84 andlower arm 90 each have a square-shaped cross sectional geometry.Proximal end 86 of each upper arm 84 is attached to upper end 72 of hub70 via a pair of flanges 96 that are fixedly attached to and extendradially outward from hub 70. Proximal end 86 of each upper arm 84 isheld between the associated flanges 96 via hardware such as a bolt andnut (not shown). Proximal end 92 of lower arm 90 is fixedly held betweenupper retainer plate 78 and lower retainer plate 80 via a plurality ofbolts 100. A plurality of track support arms 95 are fixedly attached toand extend between distal ends 94 of lower arms 90. Each arm 95 has anaperture 97 extending vertically therethrough. A C-shaped, inwardlyfacing bearing plate 102 (FIG. 5) extends between and is fixedlyattached to distal end 88 of upper arm 84 and distal end 94 of lower arm90. Each bearing plate 102 includes a bearing aperture 104 extendingtherethrough. Carousal 16 further includes a plurality of casterassemblies 106 that each include a caster 108 that rides along rail 32,an axle 112 fixedly attached to caster 108 and extending through anaperture 104 of an associated bearing plate 102, and an inner bearingsurface 114 that rotatably receives and guides a portion of axle 112.Carousal 16 still further includes two pairs of track system supportingflanges 116 extending downwardly from a pair of bearing plates 102juxtaposed across carousal 16. Each flange 116 has an aperture 118extending laterally therethrough. In assembly, a spacer 119 (FIG. 3) islocated along axle 60 and held in place via a nut 121. Spacer 119 islocated within interior 76 of central hub 70 and is allowed to freelyrotate about axle 60.

[0021] The track system 18 (FIG. 6) includes a pair of L-shapedlongitudinally extending rails or track members 120. Each track member120 includes an upper supporting surface 122 and a bottom surface 124. Aplurality of tie bars 126 extend laterally between track members 120 andare fixedly attached thereto. A pair of track supports 128 extendupwardly from a center portion of a pair of the tie bars 126 and areadapted to extend through and be attached to upper arms 84 and lowerarms 90 of carousal 16 via hardware such as nuts and bolts. Theoutermost tie bars 127 are adapted to extend through apertures 118 offlanges 116. Track system 18 further includes a plurality of upwardlyextending support rods 130 that extend through apertures 97 of arms 95of carousal 16, thereby assisting in supporting track system 18therefrom. Track system 18 further includes end walls 131 extendingbetween and attached to the ends of each track member 120. A springassembly 132 (FIG. 7) is fixedly attached and extends inwardly from eachend wall 131. In the illustrated example, spring assembly 132 includes abumper stop 134 that is biased away from a stop block 136 via a coilspring 138 positioned therebetween. Bumper stop 134 is slidably receivedby stop block 136, however, is affixed thereto such that bumper stop 134cannot be completely removed from stop block 136. The spring assemblies132 are adapted to force vehicle 20 away from end walls 131 when abuttedby vehicle 20 as described below.

[0022] The vehicle 20 (FIGS. 8 and 9) includes an upwardly opening,C-shaped housing 140 defined by a bottom wall 142 and a pair oflongitudinally extending side walls 144. A reinforcement plate 145 isaffixed to an upper side of bottom wall 142. Both bottom wall 142 ofhousing 140 and plate 145 include a plurality of apertures 147 forreceiving hardware therein to support arms 22 as discussed below.Vehicle 20 also includes a plurality of supporting wheels 146 and aplurality of guide wheels 148. Specifically, two pairs of supportswheels 146 are mounted outside side walls 144 of housing 140 and areconnected via axles 150 extending therebetween. Guide wheels 148 includetwo pairs of guide wheels rotatably supported from side walls 144 ofhousing 140 via axle bolts 152, and are vertically aligned with anassociated supporting wheel 146, thereby defining a gap 154therebetween. Supporting wheels 146 are adapted to track along topsurface 122 of each track member 120, while guide wheels 148 are adaptedto guide along bottom surface 124 of each track member 120 as vehicle 20travels along track system 18 as described below. Vehicle 20 alsoincludes an end plate 156 located at and fixedly attached to each end ofhousing 140. A bumper 158 is fixedly attached to a central portion ofeach end plate 156. In the illustrated example, each bumper 158 isconstructed of a rubber or a polymeric material and is adapted tocushiongly abut bumper stop 134 of spring assembly 132 as describedbelow.

[0023] A support assembly 160 (FIG. 10) extends downwardly from and isfixedly attached to bottom wall 142 of housing 140. Support assembly 160includes a housing 162 that pivotally houses a shaft 164 therein. Shaft164 is fixedly attached to a support plate 166 that is in turn fixedlyattached to bottom wall 142 of housing 140 via a plurality of bolts andnuts 168 extending through apertures 147. A support flange 170 isfixedly attached and extends radially outward from housing 162. Supportassembly 160 further includes a first retainer plate 172 and secondretainer plate 174. In the illustrated example, a plurality of bolts 176extend through support flange 170, first retainer plate 172 and secondretainer plate 174, and are held in place by a plurality of nuts 178,thereby supporting first and second retainer plates 172 and 174 fromsupport flange 170 and holding arms 22 therebetween.

[0024] In the illustrated example, a pair of curved arms 22 extendradially outward from support assembly 160 and are fixedly attachedthereto. Specifically, first location 24 of each arm 22 is fixedly heldbetween first retainer plate 172 and second retainer plate 174 via bolts180 and nuts 182 as well as by bolts 176 and nuts 178. Second location28 is located near an end of each arm 22 and is adapted to support astriking device such as a punching bag 26 therebelow. In the illustratedexample, second location 28 of each arm 22 includes a hook 184 fromwhich to support punching bag 26, however, other means of support andattachment may be used to support a variety of striking devices such asheavy bags, speed bags, striking dummies, and the like. As illustrated,each arm 22 is constructed of an upwardly bent spring steel, however,other geometrical configurations and materials suitable for such use maybe utilized.

[0025] In operation, the mobility of device 10 about multiple points ofrotation coupled with the linear movement of vehicle 20 along tracksystem 18, allows for significant and less predictable movement of theassociated bag 26. In the illustrated example, device 10 allows forsimultaneous rotation of carousal 16 and track system 18 with respect toframe 12, linear movement of vehicle 20 along track system 18, and therotation of arms 22 with respect to vehicle 20, thereby allowing forsimultaneous movement of bags 26 within two rotational planes and linearmovement along track system 18.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, exercising device 10 includes afirst motor 186 and a second motor 188. In the illustrated example,first motor 186 includes a variable speed electric motor having ahousing 190 fixedly attached to housing 12 of exercise device 10. Firstmotor 186 further includes a power shaft 192 and a pulley 194 fixedlyattached power shaft 192. Motor 186 is operably connected with hub 70via a pulley 196 and a drive belt 198 extending between pulley 194 andpulley 196. In operation, motor 186 rotates carousal 16 within frame 12in both directions of rotation, thereby making bags 26 increasinglydifficult to contact.

[0027] In the illustrated example, second motor 188 includes a variablespeed electric motor having an outer housing 200 fixedly attached to amotor mounting bracket 202 located above and fixedly attached to bottomwall 142 of housing 140. Second motor 188 further includes a power shaft204 operably connected to at least one axle 150 of vehicle 20 via a gearframe. Gear frame 206 includes a first gear 208 fixedly attached topower shaft 204 of second motor 188, and a second gear 210 fixedlyattached to axle 150 of vehicle 20. In operation, motor 188 motivatesvehicle 20 along track system 18 in both directions of travel, againmaking bags 26 increasingly difficult to contact.

[0028] The present inventive exercising device 10 provides an increasedand less predictable movement pattern for the bags 26 (or other strikingdevices) supported therefrom. The increased movement both increases theintensity of the workout, but also more accurately duplicates a “realcombat” situation, wherein an opponent's movement may be sporadic andunpredictable.

[0029] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated bythose skilled in the art that modifications made be made to theinvention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Suchmodifications are to be considered as included in the following claims,unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An exercising device, comprising: a firstframe; a second frame rotatably supported on the first frame, therebyallowing the second frame to rotate relative to the first frame; alinear track system fixedly attached to the second frame such that thetrack system rotates with the second frame relative to the first frame;a vehicle that translates along a length of the track system; and atleast one arm pivotably attached to the vehicle at a first locationalong the arm, and adapted to support a first punching bag at a secondlocation along the arm, and wherein the first location is spaced apartfrom the second location.
 2. The exercising device of claim 1, whereinthe first frame is adapted to mount to a ceiling.
 3. The exercisingdevice of claim 2, wherein first frame includes a circular support ring,and wherein the second frame includes a plurality of wheels thatrotatably support the second frame by the support ring of the firstframe.
 4. The exercising device of claim 3, wherein the track systemincludes a pair of linear track members.
 5. The exercising device ofclaim 4, wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of first wheelssupporting the vehicle from the track system.
 6. The exercising deviceof claim 5, wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of second wheelscontacting the track members, thereby causing the first wheels to remainin contact with the track members.
 7. The exercising device of claim 6,wherein the track system includes at least one elastically deformablereturn member located at an end of the track members, and wherein thereturn member forces the vehicle away from the end of the track memberswhen compressed by the vehicle.
 8. The exercising device of claim 7,wherein the at least one returning member includes a first return memberand a second return member located at the ends of the track members. 9.The exercising device of claim 6, wherein the arm is pivotably supportedby the vehicle via a plate member.
 10. The exercising device of claim 9,wherein the plate member includes a first portion and a second portion,the arm being secured between the first portion and the second portion,and wherein the first portion and the second portion are fixedlyattached to a shaft pivotably attached to the vehicle.
 11. Theexercising device of claim 10, wherein first location of the arm islocated near a center of the arm, the second location of the arm islocated near a first end of the arm, and wherein the arm is adapted tosupport a second punching bag at a second end of the arm.
 12. Theexercising device of claim 1, wherein first frame includes a circularsupport ring, and wherein the second frame includes a plurality ofwheels that rotatably support the second frame by the support ring ofthe first frame.
 13. The exercising device of claim 1, wherein the tracksystem includes a pair of linear track members.
 14. The exercisingdevice of claim 13, wherein the track system includes at least onespring mounted near ends of the track members and adapted to bias thevehicle away from the ends of the track members when engaged by thevehicle.
 15. The exercising device of claim 14, wherein the track systemincludes at least one elastically deformable return member located at anend of the track members, and wherein the return member forces thevehicle away from the end of the track members when compressed by thevehicle.
 16. The exercising device of claim 15, wherein the at least onereturning member includes a first return member and a second returnmember located at the ends of the track members.
 17. The exercisingdevice of claim 14, wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of firstwheels contacting the track members and supporting the vehicle from thetrack system.
 18. The exercising device of claim 17, wherein the vehicleincludes a plurality of second wheels contacting the track members,thereby causing the first wheels to remain in contact with the trackmembers.
 19. The exercising device of claim 1, wherein the arm ispivotably supported by the vehicle via a plate member.
 20. Theexercising device of claim 19, wherein the plate member includes a firstportion and a second portion, the arm being secured between the firstportion and the second portion, and wherein the first portion is fixedlyattached to a shaft pivotably attached to the vehicle.
 21. Theexercising device of claim 20, wherein first location of the arm islocated near a center of the arm, the second location of the arm islocated near a first end of the arm, and wherein the arm is adapted tosupport a second punching bag at a second end of the arm.
 22. Anexercising device, comprising: a first frame; a second frame rotatablysupported on the first frame, thereby allowing the second frame torotate relative to the first frame; a first powered actuator operablyconnected with the second frame to rotate the second frame relative tothe first frame; a linear track system fixedly attached to the secondframe such that the track system rotates with the second frame relativeto the first frame; a vehicle that translates along a length of thetrack system; a second powered actuator operably connected with thevehicle to move the vehicle along the length of the track system; and atleast one arm pivotably attached to the vehicle and adapted to support adevice for striking.
 23. The exercising device of claim 22, wherein thefirst frame is adapted to mount to a ceiling.
 24. The exercising deviceof claim 2, wherein first frame includes a circular support ring, andwherein the second frame includes a plurality of wheels that rotatablysupport the second frame by the support ring of the first frame.
 25. Theexercising device of claim 24, wherein the second frame is rotatablysupported on the first frame via a first shaft fixedly attached to thefirst frame and rotatably attached to the second frame.
 26. Theexercising device of claim 25, wherein the second frame includes apulley fixedly attached to the first shaft, and wherein the firstpowered actuator is operably connected with the pulley via a drive belt.27. The exercising device of claim 26, wherein the first poweredactuator includes a variable speed, electric motor.
 28. The exercisingdevice of claim 25, wherein the track system includes a pair of lineartrack members.
 29. The exercising device of claim 28, wherein thevehicle includes a plurality of first wheels supporting the vehicle fromthe track system.
 30. The exercising device of claim 29, wherein thevehicle includes a plurality of second wheels contacting the trackmembers, thereby causing the first wheels to remain in contact with thetrack members.
 31. The exercising device of claim 30, wherein the tracksystem includes at least one elastically deformable return memberlocated at an end of the track members, and wherein the return memberforces the vehicle away from the end of the track members whencompressed by the vehicle.
 32. The exercising device of claim 31,wherein the at least one returning member includes a first return memberand a second return member located at the ends of the track members. 33.The exercising device of claim 30, wherein the vehicle includes an axleextending between two or the first wheel juxtaposed across the vehicle,and wherein the second powered actuator is operably connected with theaxle via a gear system.
 34. The exercising device of claim 33, whereinthe second powered actuator includes a variable speed, electric motor.35. The exercising device of claim 22, wherein first frame includes acircular support ring, and wherein the second frame includes a pluralityof wheels that rotatably support the second frame by the support ring ofthe first frame.
 36. The exercising device of claim 22, wherein thetrack system includes a pair of linear track members.
 37. The exercisingdevice of claim 36, wherein the track system includes at least oneelastically deformable return member located at an end of the trackmembers, and wherein the return member forces the vehicle away from theend of the track members when compressed by the vehicle.
 38. Theexercising device of claim 37, wherein the at least one returning memberincludes a first return member and a second return member located at theends of the track members.
 39. The exercising device of claim 36,wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of first wheels supporting thevehicle from the track system.
 40. The exercising device of claim 37,wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of second wheels contacting thetrack members, thereby causing the first wheels to remain in contactwith the track members.
 41. The exercising device of claim 39, whereinthe vehicle includes an axle extending between two of the first wheelsjuxtaposed across the vehicle, and wherein the second powered actuatoris operably connected with the axle via a gear system.
 42. Theexercising device of claim 41, wherein the second powered actuatorincludes a variable speed, electric motor.